Imprinting Systems brings digital in-house with Mark Andy Digital One

Imprinting Systems, a prime label printer based in North Carolina, has installed a Mark Andy Digital One, which has brought digital production in-house and increased its productivity.

Mark Andy Digital One, a 4-color EP label press, was selected to bring additional capability, specifically in the digital and short run efficiency, to Imprinting Systems. The press provides in-line converting and finishing, as well as the ability to add flexo decoration to labels with a single multi-purpose print station.

After experiencing a steady increase in work being outsourced to digital providers, the need to bring digital production in-house was apparent to Brad Kessler, key member of the leadership team at Imprinting Systems, who said: ‘We were faced with a tough choice. We either had to add digital capability or transition our business to a brokerage operation.’

Since install, Imprinting Systems runs one standard shift a day on the press, filling it with a diverse assortment of prime labels. Primary markets served range from healthcare to animal products to food and beverage. Operators have logged over 250 hours on the machine since May and see no signs of slowing down.

Imprinting Systems is now looking to continue building its book of short run jobs, defined by Kessler as a run with 1,000 to 2,000 labels. Additionally, the printer is looking forward to adding more promotional items to its job mix and tapping into the booming local craft beer scene. And while its current job mix does not require heavy embellishment, a large part of Imprinting Systems growth plan involves experimenting on ways to use Digital One’s flexo deck to boost decoration at an affordable price point for customers.

Bridgette Bridges, Mark Andy digital product advisor, who guided Kessler in the investment decision, added: ‘Imprinting is at a great spot to continue to grow with the Digital One. It’s exciting to see more and more companies take the plunge with entry-level digital and offer more to their customers in return.’